Cluster randomized trials as a design for meeting evidence standards on school health program effectiveness¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The article presents cluster randomized trials as an evaluation methodology in which schools, rather than individual students, are the unit of randomization. It argues that "When well‐designed and implemented, cluster randomized trials can meet the high standards federal agencies and other funders increasingly require for evidence on the effectiveness of school health programs and services." The framework organizes trial planning around decisions about clustering, sample size, matching, sample definition, consent, and analysis, while cautioning that "designing and implementing these studies can present more challenges than at first appears."

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Designs must be well-designed and implemented to meet funder evidence standards
• Access to summaries of the methodological literature and a search strategy for applied school health studies

Constraints¶

• Designing and implementing these studies can present more challenges than at first appears
• The review is based on summaries of the methodological literature rather than a systematic meta-analysis

Target Learners¶

• school-age students in school health program evaluations
• school health researchers

Target Learning Objectives¶

• evaluating the effectiveness of school health programs and services

Claims¶

Related Theories¶

Examples¶

• Develop appropriate procedures for gathering parental permission and student assent

Key Sources¶

• Brian Goesling. (2019). A Practical Guide to Cluster Randomized Trials in School Health Research. Journal of School Health, vol. 89, issue 11. https://www.mathematica.org/publications/a-practical-guide-to-cluster-randomized-trials-in-school-health-research